The notion that one should approach information with a degree of skepticism is often valid, and this applies to the recent stewards’ report regarding Nitro.

While the report suggested that the colt’s ‘manners’ were the reason for his last-start defeat as favourite, trainer Peter Snowden has provided a different explanation for his fourth placing at Randwick over 1400m on June 6.

“There is nothing wrong with his manners, he’s a perfect gentleman,” Snowden confirmed.

“He had head gear and he pulled. All the talk was that we had him up close, we tried that and all he did was pull the whole way. That is not like him and there was a lot of merit in the run.”

The promising three-year-old is set to race in the Schweppes Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday, where he is the $3 favourite with bookmakers. Tommy Berry will be riding the son of Deep Field for the first time on race day, having partnered him in two barrier trials leading up to his winning debut.

“The visors have come off him and we’ve put the winkers on just to make him focus,” Snowden explained.

“He’s a lazy horse at home so just so he doesn’t switch off too much but certainly not to be pulling like last time. On the day he just pulled a bit, that’s all.”

Snowden also has Xidaki, a five-year-old gelding, returning from a lengthy spell for the Cactus Imaging Handicap (1200m). The horse is being considered for the Listed Glasshouse Handicap (1400m) at Sunshine Coast on July 4.

The blinkers are being removed from the five-year-old gelding, who is racing for the first time since January 10.

“He’s a very consistent horse but just last few preps have been just below that he normally does,” Snowden stated.

“So, I thought a good long spell might just bring back to his straps. I’ve been happy with his two trials but it does take a while to get them up to peak fitness after a long break. Unfortunately he has drawn a really bad gate (15) but I just want him to show us that eagerness and keenness that he had.”

Those interested in betting on Nitro’s upcoming race can check the latest racing odds at betting sites.

Sophia Dunkley paid tribute to powerhouse all-rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson after England crept closer to the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals with a 38-run victory over Scotland.

Dunkley stepped up with a fine 57, albeit after being dropped three times, as she filled in for the injured Nat Sciver-Brunt in front of a crowd of 11,419, a record for a women’s match at Headingley.

But at 141 for five after 17 overs, there was still work to do and Kemp and Gibson duly delivered by plundering 59, including 11 boundaries in the last 17 balls, to lift England to 200 for five.

Kemp’s 39 not out off 16 deliveries and Gibson’s unbeaten 30 off 11 lifted England to a total that was beyond Scotland’s reach as the tournament hosts wrapped up a third victory from three Group B games.

“It was an absolutely amazing partnership and those two are amazing at their roles,” Dunkley said. “Kempy’s got so much power down the ground and Gibbo can hit square. They’re a great combination.

“To have a partnership like that at the end gives us as a top-order a lot of confidence. We can set the game up and then we can go really hard at the back end if we need to, which is great.

“I think we’ve probably lacked a little bit of power at the back end and it’s nice to have some real six-hitters coming in and giving us some momentum.

“They’re such great all-round players and to see a performance like that is really special.”

England likely only need to beat one of the West Indies or New Zealand next week to reach the knockout stages after Dunkley played a key role in her first appearance of the tournament on Saturday night.

She found herself as the odd batter out, effectively nudged out of the XI by Alice Capsey finding form against India before the tournament and Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Amy Jones selected as England’s openers.

Sciver-Brunt reinjuring her left calf opened up a slot – with Charlie Dean taking on captaincy duties – and Dunkley will retain her spot at number three when England face the Windies at Lord’s on Wednesday.

“It’s never nice and it’s really disappointing,” Dunkley said after missing England’s first two games. “Obviously being here at a home World Cup, you bite your arm off to go and play for England out there.

“It’s been a little bit tough but we’ve got an amazing squad and a lot of depth. We’ve got a great, great squad to get into and it was nice to get out there today.”

Scotland were ragged in the field, with the three drops of Dunkley compounded by repeated errors on the boundary, and although they landed a few punches with the bat, they settled for 162 for seven.

“This was probably the biggest game of the tournament for us and we are just really proud of how we played,” said seamer Hannah Rainey.

“We gave away at least 20 runs in the field. We gave them too many. We didn’t hold ourselves to our standards and that’s how it went.”

The year will be 2076.

The United States of America will be turning 300 years old.

And Giannis Antetokounmpo will still be in an awkward situation with the Milwaukee Bucks.

The first time we heard about Antetokounmpo being unhappy with the Bucks was back in 2025. After waiving Damian Lillard, the Greek Freak and his representation began conversations with the Bucks to evaluate his fit and future of the organization, which was struggling to support their superstar.

Fast forward to the end of June in 2026 and there’s still no resolution and the situation has gotten increasingly worse.

On Saturday morning, ESPN Milwaukee reported that Antetokounmpo doesn’t want to leave Milwaukee – he just wants to leave the Bucks.

This situation is all the way off the rails. Is he going to play for the Brewers? The Green Bay Packers? Probably not. So this is just another twist and turn in a rollercoaster ride that seemingly is never going to end.

Earlier this offseason, reports circulated that Antetokounmpo’s preferred destination was the Miami Heat. And you guessed it. They don’t really have enough assets to entice the Bucks to trade Antetokounmpo within the Eastern Conference.

Reports also indicate that Antetokounmpo could be intrigued by the Boston Celtics, who are evaluating the future of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown together. So far, a deal doesn’t sound close.

During a blowout loss in January, Antetokounmpo was booed by fans in Milwaukee. He booed them back. This is a situation that is well beyond unhealthy. But for some reason, neither end will let each other move on.

It’s actually pretty easy.

Antetokounmpo could expand the teams he’d be willing to be moved to. The Greek Freak doesn’t have a no trade clause, but his contract is expiring, and teams could be cautious to give up a big trade package for a 31-year-old rental.

On the other side, Bucks GM Jon Horst either needs to crap or get off the pot. The Bucks lost 50 games last season. They were 17-19 with Antetokounmpo. Trading a homegrown, championship-winning MVP isn’t easy. But getting a few young players and draft picks could at least help the organization get moving on turning the page.

Just ask Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti. Everyone was so focused on the four first-round picks he acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers for Paul George. But so far, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s two MVPs and one NBA title feel like the real prize of that trade.

These two sides can’t let this drag on all summer.

Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam admitted in May that the team was facing roster uncertainty and needed some clarity on Antetokounmpo’s future by the offseason.

Well, the offseason is here. The 2026 NBA Draft takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday. Free agency negotiations get started on June 30.

The window for a Giannis move is opening this week – and these two sides should finally agree to move on.

Substitute Deniz Undav scored twice, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner, as Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 and secure a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The four-time world champions looked set for a frustrating evening after Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessie gave the Elephants the lead in the 30th minute in Toronto.

Germany had earlier seen Aleksandar Pavlovic’s header ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, while Ivory Coast grew in confidence through the lively play of teenager Yan Diomande and winger Amad Diallo.

The breakthrough for the African side came when Diomande found Diallo, whose shot was blocked by Nathaniel Brown. Kessie reacted quickest to fire home the rebound and put Ivory Coast ahead.

Germany continued to push forward but were repeatedly denied. Kai Havertz had a goal disallowed after Jamal Musiala was judged to have fouled Emmanuel Agbadou in the build-up.

Ivory Coast then missed chances to increase their advantage, with Christ Inao Oulai and Kessie both failing to hit the target when presented with good opportunities.

Those missed chances proved costly as Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann turned to his bench for inspiration.

Undav, who had already made a major impact in Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curacao in their opening game, once again delivered when it mattered most.

The Stuttgart striker levelled the score in the 68th minute, finishing calmly from a cross by fellow substitute Nadiem Amiri.

As the match entered stoppage time, Germany completed the comeback. Felix Nmecha played a pass into Undav, who controlled the ball brilliantly before turning and firing past Fofana in the 94th minute.

The late goal sparked wild celebrations among the German players and supporters as Germany booked their place in the last 32.

For Ivory Coast, it was a heartbreaking defeat after a strong performance. However, Emerse Fae’s side still have a chance of progressing from Group E if they defeat World Cup debutants Curacao in their final group match.

Undav’s latest heroics further strengthened his reputation as Germany’s super-sub, having now scored three goals and provided two assists in just two World Cup appearances from the bench.

India produced another dominant performance to outclass Chile 6-0 and storm into the final of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup here on Saturday.

Navneet Kaur (6th, 13th) and Deepika (14th, 18th) struck two goals apiece, while Neha (32nd) and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (39th) also found the target as India notched their fourth successive win in the tournament.

Captain Salima Tete, who was named player of the match, had a key role in India’s emphatic win with her all-round display.

India will face the winners of the second semifinal between the USA and hosts New Zealand in the title clash.

India controlled possession from the start and took the lead through Navneet, who converted the team’s first penalty corner with a crisp strike into the corner.

The lead doubled after Salima made a surging run down the left flank before sending in a precise cross for an unmarked Navneet to deflect home in front of goal.

India struck again almost immediately as dragflicker Deepika converted a penalty corner to make it 3-0, before adding another from a set-piece in the 18th minute to put the contest firmly beyond Chile’s reach.

Deepika’s brace also took her to the top of the tournament’s scoring chart with six goals.

Leading 4-0 at half-time, India continued to dominate after the break. Neha made it 5-0 with another successful penalty corner conversion, underlining India’s efficiency from set-pieces.

Rutuja then joined the scoresheet, sounding the board with a reverse hit from open play as India stretched the margin to six.

Chile did create a few chances in the final quarter but goalkeeper Savita came up with a couple of fine saves to preserve the clean sheet as India completed a commanding victory.

Manchester United have a number of stars who have impressed at this summer’s World Cup across North America, with one player’s mother in tears after watching her son represent his nation

Matheus Cunha’s mother was spotted streaming tears of joy as her son scored a brace for Brazil at the World Cup. The versatile forward is one of a number of Manchester United stars who have impressed on the world stage across North America over the past couple of weeks.

After emerging as a second-half substitute during Brazil’s opener against Morocco, a game which finished 1-1, Cunha did enough in Carlo Ancelotti’s eyes to start against Haiti in the early hours of Saturday morning. And it took the 27-year-old very little time to make a mark in the contest.

Just 23 minutes in, Cunha showed a poacher’s prowess when latching onto a rebounded effort from Vinicius Jr, firing home from close-range to give his nation the lead. A little over 10 minutes later, and Cunha had doubled his tally for the day.

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A slick through ball from Vini Jr found Cunha breaking through the Haitian back-line, before blasting with venom with his left foot into the top of Johny Placide’s near corner. As jubilation on the pitch was rife, fans watching from inside the Philadelphia Stadium also erupted into emotion – no-one more than Cunha’s mother.

In a video uploaded to social media, she is spotted standing with her hands on her head in a state of amazement, tears of joy streaming down her face as she is comforted by a fellow fan. The clip then pans to Cunha, who is beaming on the pitch as he turns toward his mother in the stand and pumps his fist in elation.

After playing a large part in both goals, Vini Jr scored on the stroke of half-time to secure a 3-0 win for Brazil, thrusting them to the top of the Group C standings with four points. As a result, they have qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup, regardless of their result against Scotland come Wednesday, June 24.

It comes as a number of Reds players have enjoyed fruitful World Cup campaigns thus far. Casemiro – who will leave the club this summer – also played a vital part in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti in the centre of the park, playing the full 90 minutes plus additional time.

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Noussair Mazraoui also helped keep a clean sheet in Morocco’s 1-0 win over Scotland on Friday evening, a game in which young United talent Tyler Fletcher remained on the Tartan Army’s bench for.

Elsewhere, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot are on international duty with Portugal, albeit the latter yet to feature for his nation at this summer’s tournament, while Amad looks to the Ivory Coast’s clash with Germany on Saturday evening.

Senne Lammens, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford are also representing their respective home nations at present. While United will be elated to see their players shining at world football’s most prestigious tournament, they will undoubtedly be sparing a thought for Altay Bayindir, who will return to Greater Manchester prematurely.

Turkey were grouped at the tournament in the early hours of Saturday morning, and as a result, will not progress to the knockout stages despite still having one game left to play due to a head to head factor in qualification.

The shot stopper didn’t make the team-sheet for his nation’s 2-0 loss to Australia, nor their 1-0 upset at the hands of a 10-man Paraguay, with his participation in Turkey’s final Group D encounter with USA also in doubt. That match will take place on Friday, June 26.

England’s 2026 World Cup kits

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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL

Alex Hughes’ family released a statement saying they are ‘totally heartbroken’ by the sudden and unexpected loss

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Former Manchester City and United star Mark Hughes has been left ‘totally heartbroken’ by the death of his son, Alex, at the age of 38.

A statement issued by the League Managers Association on behalf of the former manager at Blackburn and Stoke reads: “Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex.

“Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Leonardo.

“Alex was Player Recruitment Lead at Grimsby Town FC, and had many good friends and colleagues. He will be so deeply missed by us all. We ask for privacy during this sad time as we come to terms with our family’s loss.”

Alex Hughes had most recently been working within Grimsby Town’s player recruitment department at the time of his passing, reports the Mirror.

Born in 1987 while his father Mark was under contract at Barcelona, he enjoyed a brief playing career in Wales before transitioning into football administration.

He began his off-field career as a match analyst at Blackburn before joining Manchester City as a scout.

Subsequent roles followed at Fulham, 1860 Munich and Reading. Hughes later took charge as director of football at AFC Fylde, before moving on to Morecambe and ultimately Grimsby.

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Germany produced a stirring second-half comeback to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto and move to the brink of qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. After trailing at the break against a disciplined and energetic Ivorian side, Julian Nagelsmann’s men found a way back through substitute Denis Undav, whose late brace turned the match on its head and maintained Germany’s perfect start to the tournament.

Germany entered the contest full of confidence following their emphatic opening victory, but Ivory Coast proved a far sterner test.

The Africans frustrated Germany’s attacking rhythm throughout the first half, sitting compactly when required and springing forward with purpose whenever opportunities arose.

Germany thought they had taken the lead midway through the half when Aleksandar Pavlovic headed home from a Joshua Kimmich corner, only for the referee to rule the effort out for a foul on the goalkeeper.

The setback proved costly.

In the 30th minute, Ivory Coast struck. Yan Diomande burst down the left and delivered a dangerous ball into the box. Amad Diallo’s initial effort was blocked, but captain Franck Kessie reacted quickest to the rebound and fired home from close range to hand the Elephants a deserved 1-0 lead.

Germany continued to push forward and even saw another goal disallowed before half-time, with Kai Havertz denied after a foul was spotted in the build-up.

Nagelsmann’s side emerged with greater urgency after the interval but initially struggled to break down the resilient Ivorians.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 68th minute when substitute Denis Undav met a cross inside the box and finished from close range to level the scores at 1-1.

The equaliser shifted momentum firmly in Germany’s favour, though Ivory Coast still threatened and nearly reclaimed the lead late on, squandering a golden opportunity after a dangerous counterattack.

That miss proved decisive.

With the match heading towards a draw, Undav struck again in the closing stages. The forward showed composure inside the penalty area before firing home his second goal of the night and third of the tournament to complete the comeback.

Germany close on knockout qualification

The 2-1 victory gives Germany six points from two matches and leaves them on the verge of securing a place in the Round of 32.

For Ivory Coast, the defeat was harsh after a brave and organised performance, but the Africans remain firmly in the qualification race heading into the final group-stage fixture.

Germany, meanwhile, have demonstrated another quality often associated with tournament contenders — the ability to recover from adversity and find a way to win.

Netherlands produced one of the most dominant performances of the FIFA World Cup 2026 so far, thrashing Sweden 5-1 at Houston’s NRG Stadium to move to the top of Group F and put themselves on the brink of qualification for the Round of 32.

After being held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their opening fixture, Ronald Koeman’s side responded emphatically with an attacking masterclass that overwhelmed a Sweden team which had entered the contest full of confidence following a 5-1 victory over Tunisia.

The Dutch made the perfect start, taking the lead inside the opening five minutes. Cody Gakpo was heavily involved in the move, providing the assist for Brian Brobbey, who tapped home from close range to put the Oranje ahead.

Sweden struggled to contain the Netherlands’ movement and intensity, and the pressure told again before the 20-minute mark. Denzel Dumfries delivered a dangerous ball into the box and Brobbey was once again in the right place at the right time, steering home his second goal of the evening to double the advantage.

The Scandinavians attempted to respond through Viktor Gyokeres, but goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen produced a series of important saves to preserve the Dutch lead heading into half-time.

Any hopes of a Swedish comeback disappeared shortly after the restart. Dumfries registered his second assist of the night as Gakpo converted from close range to make it 3-0. Moments later, substitute Crysencio Summerville made an instant impact, driving through midfield before setting up Gakpo for his second goal and the Netherlands’ fourth.

Sweden finally found a breakthrough in the 59th minute when Alexander Isak slipped a clever pass through for Anthony Elanga, who finished confidently to reduce the deficit.

However, the Dutch had the final say. Summerville capped an outstanding cameo by scoring a brilliant solo goal late in the match, combining neatly before firing into the corner to complete a resounding 5-1 victory.

The result sends the Netherlands to the summit of Group F and leaves them needing only a point from their final group-stage match to secure qualification for the knockout rounds.

  Netherlands vs Sweden starting XI:  Netherlands XI: B. Verbruggen (GK), D. Dumfries, M. Van de Ven, J. Van Hecke, F. de Jong, T. Reijnders, R. Gravenberch, C. Gakpo, D. Malen, B. Brobbey.  Sweden XI: K. Nordfeldt (GK), A. Bernhardsson, G. Gudmundsson, I. Hien, V. Lindelöf, G. Lagerbielke, B. Nygren, J. Karlström, Y. Ayari, V. Gyökeres, A. Isak. 

FIFA World Cup 2026 live telecast: The live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be available on the Unite8 Sports Network.

FIFA World Cup 2026 live streaming: The live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches between will be available on the ZEE5 app and website.